Maximum Sonic Versatility in a Les Paul

Les Paul Customs simply rock, and the Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 is completely worthy of such lineage. Unlike most other Les Pauls of its pedigree, the Les Paul Black Beauty 3 features a mahogany/alder body and matching mahogany/alder top, with a mahogany neck set into its body. That combination of mahogany and alder adds a rich, complex depth to the already universally heralded Les Paul tone, with the set neck providing enough sustain for any modal workout or riff fest. With a rosewood fretboard scale length of 24.75 inches and nut width of 1.68 inches, the Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 is a Les Paul built just like its forefathers, with enough chunk and girth to let you know you're playing a real Les Paul. Along with the usual complement of Bridge and Neck humbuckers, this guitar takes it up yet another notch by adding a third humbucker in the middle position. The Les Paul Black Beauty 3's Middle pickup allows you to craft other-worldly in-between sounds normally only available in your wildest dreams. Diversity and tonal integrity are the name of the game, and the Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 is a guitar that will feel just as at home at the corporate or wedding cover band gig as it will at the black metal basement show.

Every Guitarist's Crazy About A Sharp Dressed LP

The Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 has looks, and it knows how to use them. First things first--the striking, deeper than a moonless night Ebony finish. Wow. Like an expertly tailored tuxedo or a woman's "little black dress," the Ebony finish at once defines and complements the subtle curves and contours of the Les Paul Black Beauty 3's carved mahogany arched top. The beautiful but somehow foreboding inkwell black is adorned with creme triple binding around its top and back, as is the distinctive Epiphone headstock, with the mahogany neck being single bound around the luscious pearl block inlays. A tuxedo just wouldn't be complete without a proper set of cufflinks and wing tips, and the Les Paul Black Beauty 3 has them in spades. Golden spades. That's right, the Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 is outfitted with gold from head to toe, from its three to a side tuners surrounding the classy split diamond headstock inlay all the way down to the three humbuckers, bridge, tailpiece, and strap pin. The name's Black Beauty. Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3.

Buying a Tuxedo at a Rental Price

One would think that the striking features and breathtaking good looks on the Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 would carry along with it an equally hefty price tag. Well, one would be wrong. This guitar is as affordable as affordable gets, putting the vaunted good looks and sweet, singing tone that the Les Paul Black Beauty 3 is known for within the reach of even the most budget-minded six stringer.

Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3

The Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 offers the classic "tuxedo" look and renowned features that have made the Les Paul Custom a hit since 1954, with an additional third humbucker. A multiple bound body with a carved top and gold hardware, a speedy Mahogany neck for awesome action and feel and a solid, glued neck joint for stability and a great sustain all come together to make the Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 one of the greatest values on the market today.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Awesomes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sound:
I love the sound of this guitar! I played it through several different amps and pedals and it sounded awsome every time. It sounds like a more expensive guitar.
Feature:
This is a beautiful instrument. 3 Hums, 4 knobs, Grover tuners, and a stunning finish with gold hardware. Plus it sounds great. What more could you want?
Ease of Use:
Again, awesome. It has nice action and a smooth easy kind of feel. Beginners might get a little thrown off by the knob and pu selector setup, but once you get past that there's not that much too it. It feels just as nice as my expensive Gibson.
Quality:
Even though I bought mine used and it's a factory defect (2nd stamped) it's still a good quality instrument. If you take care of it(and don't let it fall over like I did) everything should last the life of the guitar. I'd say that these are "road-worthy" guitars. I've seen similar ones used by various artists at shows, and they seem to be able to hold up.
Value:
Awesome, again. This guitar is easily worth more than what it's priced at. It plays just like a Gibson and is of equal quality. Definitly worth the money you'll pay for it.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't had to deal with customer service.
The Wow Factor:
Seeexxxy. It has looks that kill and a sound that will blow you away. It varys so much in tone because of the addition of a third pick up and the finish just makes you want it and want it the more you look at it. I went looking for a job at my local guitar shop and walked out an hour later with this guitar. It will call to you. Listen to it.
Overall:
This is an AWESOME buy. With the quality, sound, and look you get for the price this is, there's no reason why you shouldn't buy this. Definitly worth the expense(even if you're like me and don't need another guitar). You'd have to be crazy not to like it.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"A Les Paul for Les Money."

Sound:
Wow. This guitar has the same tone as a full Les Paul--just a few hundred less. I use it in a small home studio for projects ranging from rock, blues, and jazz. I've played it through amp sims and a tube amp. Metal and country are not really it's forte though, but that's why I have a collection of guitars.
Feature:
Standard Les Paul setup. Nothing out of the ordinary except for the BEAUTIFUL black and gold hardware.
Ease of Use:
Plays just like a Les Paul too. My only issue is reaching the high frets, but you'll get that on any Les Paul.
Quality:
Everything on this guitar is top notch. I own another Epiphone acoustic, and it's been awesome for over 10 years.
Value:
The price point for this item is perfect for anyone serious about buying a quality guitar.
Manufacturer Support:
I hope I should never have to contact support.
The Wow Factor:
Truthfully when I bought it, I didn't need another guitar and wasn't looking to buy one, but once I played it and A/B'd it against similar guitars, it was a no-brainer. This guitar pulled some amazing tones even at low volume through a small tube practice amp.
Overall:
This guitar is now called my "trump guitar"--it trumps the other 3 electrics I have in my collection.

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